1. School Credibility: Will it help me get the job I want? Does it offer the degree that I want?
Choosing a major is one of the first choices a student makes when considering higher learning. The NCAE (National Career Assessment Examination), which students take during their junior year of high school, is often a determinant of which industries they can excell. In addition, they want a school whose name future employers recognize. Daniel, a mechanical engineering student at Mapúa in Manila, chose the school and course based on the recommendation from his father, his personal interests (Daniel loves tinkering with cars) and the reputation of the school.
2. Affordability: Can I afford the tuition of the school I want?
Tuition fees are a huge factor when deciding on a school, especially with families who have multiple children. Marby, a Broadcasting graduate, would choose a school that would not burden her father with additional costs, as her other siblings were also enrolled in university. With rising prices in education, students and parents are looking not just for quality, but also value for their investment. For Brix, a graduate and education practitioner, his choice was between two schools with equal credibility, where one of which was only PHP5,000 more expensive than the other. He ended up choosing the cheaper school since the facilities were better and the campus was large..
3. Proximity: Is my school near me?
The notorious city traffic takes a toll on students, as most of their time is spent on the road. While there is an option to live near campus in dorms and apartments, this means additional costs for parents. Because of that, students still look for options that are closer to their homes. Andrea, a bank employee and graduate residing in Davao, started looking for colleges during her senior year of high school.She still wanted a school near her hometown to be closer to family.
4. Sociability: How can I connect with classmates and friends in school in this hybrid mode of learning?
The typical student loves hanging out with friends, both online and in person. They have rich social lives, and even consider their peers’ choices when choosing a college of their own. Andrea from Davao also shared that she and her friends would constantly talk about college plans during school breaks. With technology, socializing or meeting new friends can be even more challenging. Students can consider schools that use various technology tools and platforms that enable interaction — whether it’s for academics, group work, or shared spaces that allow you to connect.
The CoVid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to online learning, but these, too, pose some challenges. Costs have still remained high; the student experience has deteriorated, and there is a lack of social life. In an article by Rappler last September 2020, students shared their woes during the pandemic: “they struggle with unstable internet connections, have difficulty focusing on lectures, and are burning out from the distortion of their work-life balance.” These series of interviews, as well as the new sentiments of online learning, have proven that there is a need to modernize the college experience. Students want a reputable, affordable college near them. A college that can help them both socialize and make new friends, and can help them get the career they want. Mapúa Malayan Digital College, a new school from Malayan Colleges Laguna, was created with the needs and wants of students in mind. Inquire now and learn more about MMDC.